It’s been an interesting month!
Our second travel grant from Film Victoria came through (International Market Attendance), so Woody the Producer and I are attending the MIPCOM film/television market in Cannes to spruik The Precinct, among other projects. I’ve never been to a non-English-speaking country OR a five day networking frenzy, so this should be an education in a number of ways.
Sadly, I found that the employment policy at my current job is such that I have to quit if I’m going to take this trip, so I am.
Regretful, firstly because I’ve been working with a large, talented team and learning a few things. Secondly because the boss is a friendly gent who obviously expects loyalty. As such, he’s the kind of boss I’m inclined to be loyal to. He doesn’t seem to understand why I would chuck ongoing work to pursue my own series. Sometimes I don’t quite understand either, but I do think I’m doing the right thing.
We leave for France in October, and before then I’m directing a 2 minute animated Precinct pilot to take with us. Written by Adam and myself, the short toon has guns, badges, fighting, explosions and carpet samples — all the hallmarks of great cop action. A few friends are helping with the production and are doing sterling work considering my relative inexperience with the directing thing (I’ve done plenty of work where I’ve been “director” and sole animator, but this is the first time I’ve had to direct other designers/animators). It’s looking good.
I think our stuff stacks up. It’s a matter of whether we meet the right people, and whether they see The Precinct’s potential. I’m expecting good things from this trip — I’ve bet my job on it!…